Teesta-III Dam: State BJP writes to PM for ensuring environmental & public safety

Tuesday, Feb 04, 2025 12:15 [IST]

Last Update: Tuesday, Feb 04, 2025 06:48 [IST]

Teesta-III Dam: State BJP writes to PM for ensuring environmental & public safety

GANGTOK: Sikkim BJP has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Environment minister Bhupendra Yadav demanding their immediate intervention on the recently approved environmental clearance for a new Teesta-III dam at Chungthang.

In his letter dated February 2, State BJP president DR Thapa expressed serious concerns over the lack of scientific reassessment, absence of fresh public consultation, and environmental risks associated with the 1200 Mw Teesta-III hydel power project.

The approval, granted by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on January 10, has been met with widespread concern as it fails to address key issues raised in the aftermath of the October 4, 2023, South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) disaster that destroyed the previous Teesta-III dam and claimed 40 lives, said the State BJP president.

The Teesta River is the lifeline of Sikkim, and any decision regarding hydropower infrastructure must be based on the latest scientific data, risk assessments, and inclusive public participation, said the State BJP president.

The decision ignores critical environmental and structural safety factors, making it imperative for a reassessment based on updated scientific data, said Thapa while urging an urgent intervention from the Prime Minister and the Union Environment minister.

Thapa urged the Prime Minister to direct an immediate withholding of the EAC clearance for the Teesta-III project until all necessary scientific reviews, including the revised Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) study, are completed and independently validated.

The State BJP president further requested a fresh and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to incorporate recent climate data, GLOF risks, and Sikkim’s evolving ecological challenges.

Ensure a fresh public hearing to engage the people of Sikkim in this crucial decision and uphold the principles of democratic participation, Thapa urged.

“Sikkim remains steadfast in its commitment to Viksit Bharat, and we believe that sustainable development must be rooted in environmental responsibility and public safety. I am confident that under your leadership, the concerns of Sikkim will be given due consideration, ensuring our people and environment are protected,” said Thapa in his letter to the Prime Minister.

BOX

Sikkim BJP chief urges PM to…

 Direct the immediate withholding of the EAC clearance for the Teesta-III project until all necessary scientific reviews, including the revised Probable Maximum Flood study, are completed and independently validated.

Order a fresh and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to incorporate recent climate data, GLOF risks, and Sikkim’s evolving ecological challenges.

Ensure a fresh public hearing to engage the people of Sikkim in this crucial decision and uphold the principles of democratic participation.

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi